The Macallan Distillery
The Macallan distillery is only two miles from Craigellachie on the north side of the River Spey and is regarded by many to be the Rolls-Royce of Speyside Malts. Visitors really must try and visit the distillery although an appointment is necessary. (Tel: 01340-871471) The atmosphere is so relaxed and friendly with no pressure to hurry through the experience. The video will take you by surprise with its quirky 'Monty-Python' approach and the organ going full blast.

The Whisky Trail
The Whisky Trail was launched about six years ago and continues to attract more and more visitors while the distilleries, through take-overs, rationalisation and the introduction of computers, shed jobs to a bare minimum. Gradually those 'families' of workers at each distillery are losing faith and loyalty to the owners. It is interesting to think that in a few years time a ten year old and upwards whisky was laid down by a dedicated team whose forefathers had probably followed the same skills. One wonders if the distilleries might be affected by the Millennium Bug with whisky spilling down the hillsides and creating a latter-day "Whisky Galore". Such are dreams made of.

The Speyside Way
The Speyside Way, formerly the old railway line, makes walking a comfortable and rewarding pursuit. The way is very easy from Dufftown, through Craigellachie and Aberlour and passed Ballindalloch Castle, dating from 1546 but restored in 1850, to Glenlivet. Final arrangements are under way to extend the walk to Aviemore to meet the existing railway line where passengers can board for Edinburgh or Inverness. Meantime, walkers will face a stiff climb up to Tomintoul's 1200ft location through the beautiful Glenlivet where it is alleged that at one time there were 200 illicit stills operating in this wilderness.

Towns Further South
Grantown on Spey is about fifteen miles from Aviemore and was founded in 1766 by the Grant family and one of his sons planted 32 million trees in the ensuing sixty odd years. A unique feature of the town is the grid system applied during construction, giving broad streets and a town centre which is almost without parallel in the Highlands. The trees are nearly a hundred years old to give additional enjoyment.
Aviemore is a well known holiday resort particularly for winter skiers. The massive Cairngorms are clearly visible and readily tackled by hill walkers and climbers, some unaware of the fickleness of weather conditions. After many years of promises it appears this town will get the sorely needed face lift it craves.

The Osprey Centre and Sanctuary
Nearby, Boat of Garten, established in the 1860's, prides itself with its Osprey Centre and Sanctuary. Ospreys were made almost extinct by 1899 and it was not until 1954 that a nest was located and kept secret, although birds had been seen flying from as early as 1936. Ospreys may also be seen regularly during the summer at Spey Bay.